The Role of Polyphenols in Human Health and Food Systems: A Mini-Review

Abstract

This narrative mini- review summarizes current knowledge of the role of polyphenols in health outcomes—and non-communicable diseases specifically—and discusses the implications of this evidence for public health, and for future directions for public health practice, policy, and research. The publications cited originate mainly from animal models and feeding experiments, as well as human cohort and case-control studies. Hypothesized protective effects of polyphenols in acute and chronic diseases, including obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, are evaluated. Potential harmful effects of some polyphenols are also considered, counterbalanced with the limited evidence of harm in the research literature. Recent international governmental regulations are discussed, as the safety and health claims of only a few specific polyphenolic compounds have been officially sanctioned. The implications of food processing on the bioavailability of polyphenols are also assessed, in addition to the health claims and marketing of polyphenols as a functional food. Finally, this mini-review asserts the need for increased regulation and guidelines for polyphenol consumption and supplementation in order to ensure consumers remain safe and informed about polyphenols.

An investigation into the identification of potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease using molecular docking study

“…In addition to the FDA approved drugs, here we observed that rutin and hesperidin, two dietary polyphenols have significant potential to function as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 M pro . Dietary polyphenols have low systemic toxicity and are highly beneficial for human health (Cory et al, 2018). Rutin, also known as vitamin P, has several pharmacological properties including anti-viral activity (Ganeshpurkar & Saluja, 2017).…”

Selection of tomato landraces with high fruit yield and nutritional quality under elevated temperatures

“…Polyphenolic compounds, AsA, and carotenoids are also relevant for human health, since antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties have been described following their in vitro or in vivo administration . In particular, phenolic compounds may have therapeutic roles in inflammation‐based diseases and various type of cancers .…”

“…10,11 Polyphenolic compounds, AsA, and carotenoids are also relevant for human health, since antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been described following their in vitro or in vivo administration. [12][13][14] In particular, phenolic compounds may have therapeutic roles in inflammation-based diseases and various type of cancers. 15 Furthermore, ascorbic acid shows significant antioxidant and electron donor capability and is able to protect DNA from oxidation-induced damage.…”

The nutraceutical value of grain legumes: characterisation of bioactives and antinutritionals related to diabesity management

“…Phenolics determine the colour of the seed coat: the darker the coat, the higher the concentration of these compounds (Yang et al, 2018). In addition, a growing body of research indicates that polyphenol consumption may play a vital role in health as they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could have preventive and/or therapeutic effects for cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and obesity (Cory et al, 2018).…”